Messages From God Through Miss Karen

Miss Karen is an Australian missionary. She is our leader in fellowship here in China. She’d been staying here at China for 3 years. When God sent her in China, at first she can’t believe it and asked God if He really wants her to be here. She is an intercessor. She had a gift of seeing messages upon seeing a person’s face. Last night was our last fellowship with her because she will fly to Japan and stay there for 6 months to 1 year. She made cards for us and wrote messages on it. She said while she is praying for each and every one of us those are the messages that God wants to send us. Those are revelations from God.

Before she began the preaching right after the praise and worship, she told me that every time she is seeing me on praise and worship, she is seeing “Be Bold” on me. She repeated it “Aby Be Bold”, “Aby Be Bold”, she said she kept on seeing that during our praise and worship. I didn’t ask what it means because we are in the middle of fellowship. After the preaching, she said there are two among us have calling from the Lord. She looked at Ate Cecile and said “The other one was definitely you. But I don’t want to reveal the other one because it might scared her off.”

Then she started giving out the cards and reading them out loud. I am shaking and praying for strength while waiting for my turn. I said to the Lord to help me accept and do whatever Your message for me. While reading the messages, she is crying then she said “I am crying not because of grief. It is actually cleansing”, she looked at me and said, “You have it. It is cleansing from the Lord.” I was surprised because she had so much to say to me. She is always seeing me crying every Praise and Worship that is why she told me that. She is right, you are crying not because you are sad or you have problems. You are crying because you are feeling His presence and His love. As what Jhay told me, “Crying is not a sign of weakness but of courage to face the fact that you’re nothing without God’s grace and mercy.” And told me that I am not alone because even him is crying on Praise and Worship. I was so blessed and happy to hear that from him. It was really amazing and uplifting knowing a guy is crying because of God’s grace, love and mercy. There are probably 2% of man's population who's like that.

My turn came. I was the last one, before reading the card, she said there are lots of prayers and revelations for me. Then she read:

“Abby God has you on His operating table healing and restoring you emotionally and strengthening you as He prepares you for what is to come. Take this opportunity to trust in Him and open your heart to Him. Allow Him to refine you as pure gold. Remember He is the potter you are the clay. Allow Him to mould (mold) you and shape you into a willing vessel for Him.

Keep your eyes on Him and your heart filled to overflowing with His word, for His word is wisdom and strength, your life support.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

Abby know He will direct your path, do not turn this way or that way walk a straight path and stay in His peace. He knows your heart more than you know yourself and He loves you just the way you are. But even better He loves you so much He wants you to be whole. Abide in Him and He will abide in you.”

When we got home, while Ate Cecile and I were cooking, we talked about the messages. Then I asked her, Miss Karen was saying about two among us. What was that? I didn’t hear it clearly. Ate Cecile said it was a calling from God then she told me I might be the other one because God is refining me and I am on His operating table. Then I said oh no. That is what you like right, she asked. I said yes, I want to be on a mission but not right now because I still need to support my family probably when I'm stable. Then she told me about the “Be Bold” thing. I almost forget about it, Ate Cecile reminded me about it. Oh yeah I said, I don’t understand what was that. What does it mean I asked. Probably be strong and courageous she said.

It’s bed time. After shower, I sat on my bed and read the card Miss Karen gave me again. I meditated on the messages written on it. I read it 4 times and this message made me cried “He knows your heart more than you know yourself and He loves you just the way you are.” No one ever told he/she loves me just the way I am. I was so happy to hear that from the Lord. I only got that from Him and I was overwhelmed and my heart burst with happiness. I thank the Lord for His unfailing and unconditional love He’s giving me. “Abby God has you on His operating table healing and restoring you emotionally and strengthening you as He prepares you for what is to come.” I keep on thinking about this. I am asking what is to come and why should I be prepared? I asked “Lord will you take away my mom from me?” Then I cried and said, I hope it’s not that oh Lord. I can’t afford to lose my mom. Give us more time together probably 10-20 more years Lord. But I discerned that it wasn’t it. Till now I am thinking what would it be. Whatever it will be, I know that the Lord will be there for me so I am ready for it. After reading it 4 times, I closed my eyes and prayed. I asked the Lord to help me and strengthen me while He is preparing, shaping me for whatever He wants me to be. I raised my right hand and ask the Lord to reach for it and never let go of it no matter what happens. My eyes were filled with tears and I am so happy for His messages thinking that I was special because He had a plan for me. This is what I want. I want Him to use me as His messenger and servant. Praise God. He is a loving and forgiving God.

After praying as my daily devotion, I read my book “Devotions For A Deeper Life” and here is what I’ve read:

November 28

SUGGESTED READING: 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-9

But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness (1 Timothy 4:7)

You cannot predict how God may operate. Many dear souls are living specimens of what God has done and how the Spirit of God has worked, even though you may not fully understand them nor their methods. Many times some poor, ignorant servant, who seems to scarcely know how to put anything together, is mighty used of God in the salvation of souls – while others, who have a clear understanding of the gospel, explain the way of salvation ever so clearly, yet nothing happens.

This illustrates once again that a right relationship with God is more important that right teaching about God.

Ask yourself, Do I experimentally know what full salvation is? Do I know what entire sanctification means, in my own experience? The worker for God must be in healthy, vigorous spiritual condition himself. Are you?

Prayer Thought: O God, work out Your will in my life as You desire. Your ways are above my ways.

The message is almost the same from what Miss Karen gave me. Upon lying down, I kept on thinking about the messages and the message “Be Bold”. Asking the Lord what does He mean. What does He referring to. And kept on saying “Be Bold” “Be Bold” “Be Bold”, what does it really mean till my eyes closed and slept. I am still digging on the messages but I know the Lord will reveal them soon to me. Whatever they are, knowing that the Lord is with me there is nothing I should fear about. All I know is that I am happy because the Lord loves me so much and He has a plan for me. Let’s wait and see what is that plan.

All He Had To Offer

Saturday is a boring day at work for me but the Lord keeps on waking me up to get here in our office. I have no work to do today so I checked my mails and www.christianster.com. That site is similar to friendster but it is for Christians. I am checking it everyday. I ran through the sharing section to read some stories then this one makes me interested. I go on and opened it then read it. The last part of the story made my tears fell. I’m still crying up to this time. I really can’t stop the tears from falling. Romel asked me if I am crying, I said the story that I read made me cried. The story touched me so much and moved me. It is such an amazing story, heart-warming and soul-soothing. Please check it out and read it slowly and meditate on it.

The Story:

Here is a story, reported to be true, about a nine-year-old boy who lived in a rural town in Tennessee.

His house was in a poor area of the community. A church there had a bus Ministry that came knocking on his door one Saturday afternoon. The child came to answer the door and greeted the bus Pastor. The bus Pastor asked if his parents were home and the small boy told him that his parents take off every weekend and leave him at home to take care of his little brother.

The bus Pastor could not believe what the child said and asked him to repeat it. The youngster gave the same answer and the bus Pastor asked to come in and talk with him. They went into the living room and sat down on an old couch with the foam and springs exposed. The bus Pastor asked the child, "Where do you go to church?" The young boy surprised the visitor by replying, "I've never been to church in my whole life." The bus Pastor thought to himself about the fact that his church was less than three miles from the child's house.

"Are you sure you have never been to church?" he asked again. "I'm sure I haven't, " came his answer. Then the bus Pastor said, "Well, son, more important than going to church, have you ever heard the greatest love story ever told?" and then he proceeded to share the Gospel with this little nine-year-old boy.

The young lad's heart began to be tenderized and at the end of the bus pastor's story, the bus Pastor asked if the boy wanted to receive this free gift from God. The youngster exclaimed, "OF COURSE!" The child and the bus Pastor got on their knees and the lad invited Jesus into his little heart and received the free gift of salvation.

They both stood up and the bus Pastor asked if he could pick the child up for church the next morning. "Sure," the nine year old replied. The bus Pastor got to the house early the next morning and found the lights off. He let himself in, snaked his way through the house, and found the little boy asleep in his bed. He woke up the little boy and his brother and helped get them dressed. They got on the bus and ate a doughnut for breakfast on their way to church.

Keep in mind that this boy had never been to church before. The church was a real big one. The little child just sat there, clueless of what was going on. A few minutes into the service, these tall unhappy guys walked down to the front and picked up some wooden plates. One of the men prayed and the child, with utter fascination, watched them walk up and down the aisles. He still did not know what was going on. Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, it hit the child what was taking place.

These people must be giving money to Jesus. He then reflected on the free gift of life he had received just twenty-four hours earlier. He immediately searched his pockets, front and back, and could not find a thing to give Jesus. By this time the offering plate was being passed down his aisle and, with a broken heart, he just grabbed the plate and held on to it. He finally let go and watched it pass on down the aisle. He turned around to see it passed down the aisle behind him. And then his eyes remained glued on the plate as it was passed back and forth, back and forth all the way to the rear of the sanctuary.

Then he had an idea. This little nine-year-old boy, in front of God and everybody, got up out of his seat. He walked about eight rows back, grabbed the usher by the coat, and asked to hold the plate one more time. Then he did the most astounding thing I have ever heard of. He took the plate, sat it on the carpeted church floor, and stepped into the center of it. As he stood there, he lifted his little head up and said, "Jesus, I don't have anything to give you today, but just me. I give you me!"

My Response:

I am giving my tithe to the Lord. I am sending it to the Philippines and asking my mom to give it for me in our church but I know that wasn’t enough for all the things the Lord gave me. And this little boy just offered his life because he has nothing to give to the Lord. Money is not the answer, it is not all what you could offer. You cannot repay love by giving money. Love is the answer. As what I am always telling, “Love is what makes life worth while.” Simple act of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, charity is what we could give is this world. Jesus is all we need. We just need to share the love He gave us to others and surrender our lives to Him. Yes, I maybe pathetic but probably love makes me more emotional. No one could ever understand me but the Lord and I don’t care for this is what I am.

Isabel! Who Is She?

Isabel Lynn Coupland is her name. She is a Filipino-American, born in Niles, Ohio on March 20, 2000. She was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage IV on May 7, 2004.

One evening while waiting for a member to pop-up on NetAgent, (still on AOL that time) Sak was viewing a site and it got my attention. I asked Sak who’s blog it is. Sak and I love reading blogs and we have so much fun reading them at work. Sak sent me the site so I read it. My heart broke when I started reading about her. Her mom Luz was the one posting on the site about her. From then on I started praying for her. She’d been part of my daily devotions. I keep on praying and asking the Lord to lay His hands upon her and receive healing from Him. I keep on claiming that she will be healed. I am doing that for a year now. I’ve sent her a card and her mom sent me a personal e-mail to thank me for it. We still communicate via e-mail. I’m always telling Luz to be strong and I am always praying for Isabel and for her as well. Isabel is going through chemo-therapy. I know it wasn’t that easy. She’s just 5 years old, my tears keep on falling everytime I think of her specially when I pray for her. She is too young to die. She’s a strong little girl though and very pretty. She is cheerful and playful. We are not related but I’ve learned to love her more and more everyday. If I will be given a chance to see her, I will definitely grab it. She got a very special place here in my heart. I will continue praying for her and I hope whoever read this will help me pray for her. She needs prayers and I know prayers can move mountains. I wish I could hug and kiss her. She is really special to me just like my own daughter. May the good Lord strengthen her for every therapy she’s going through. May she receive healing from the Lord. And may her family hold on to their faith. Please help me pray for Isabel and her family and help me claim healing for her.

To know more about her, please visit her blog: Isabel’s Journey

Pictures:

before the diagnosis

Isabel and her older sister Lailanie


pretending she's sleeping


cutie little princess


biking with a friend


so pretty little girls


first day at school


with her sister and friend


boating at the park


really beautiful


wearing her new wig


isn't she beautiful


showing her new disney shirt

An E-mail From My Friend and Sister In Christ (Aby Gonzales)

We had a dinner meeting last night and I slept really late because I read my Bible and my other book. I woke up at 8am but I am too lazy to get up I still want to sleep so I told the Lord “30 minutes more Lord.” It’s 8:30 but I really don’t want to get up so I said “Lord I don’t wanna go to work today. I’m sorry. I’ll just rest here since we don’t get our salary.” But the Lord wants me to go here in the office. Then Rodel knocked at my door to wake me up. So I woke up at 9am then greeted the Lord Good Morning. Then told Him, “I think you really want me to go to the office. What’s waiting for me in the office Lord? Oh I think I need to find that out so I will go as you are telling me to.” I took a bath so fast because it’s really late because I supposed to be at work by 8:30 and it was really cold though we have heater in the apartment. It’s 16°C here right now, so cold. When I get dressed, I thank Rodel for waking me up said goodbye and I rushed to the office. Upon turning my computer on, Nuriku is there (that is my e-mail notifier). I got 2 new messages from Jay Sawal and Aby Gonzales. I immediately opened Aby’s mail because I am so excited to hear from her.

Here is the e-mail:

"Hi sis! Kmusta naka rugu ken? I hope you’ve adjusted already king environment, work and people tho balu ku rugu magkasakit ka…and syempre, homesick.

Ika mi din keni makanyan. Maybe lagi tya a-miss what we’ve been used to especially being with our lovedones and friends. Pasensya na I cannot regularly keep up with your mails. Ngeni ku pa mu mekapagreply.

We’re terribly busy now. Full blast in training mi 3x a week because we’ve lotsa catching up to do. Dakal kami kanu dapat pamung abalu in preparation for the field work. Ali kami pa migvisit king field, sis. Maybe early next year, we’ll have our first team mission trip. Y Dhines, she had experiences of short mission trips king Pinas pero yaku ali ku pa kaya pin somehow excited din and afraid.

Know what sis? This training, this great opportunity to be part of this training, really changed my life – a total turn. Dkal enlightening experiences, sis especially when I get to experience the Lord’s work in my life. It was very painful, sis, kasi HE showed me my true self – a wretched one that is. It all started there…and it was really painful coz’ I have to let go of many many things including my right to myself for the love for the Lord…hayyyy sis…hope I could share all.

I am so grateful for this second chance a-binye nang Lord kaku to fix this life – and not just fix – but He changed it. He is shaping me to become the person He wants me to be. Out of my sinfulness, sis, He still loved me and patiently waited for me. =) That’s why am giving this life for His disposal, sis. Whatever He wants me to do for the coming days, I’ll do. =) All His...=)

Can’t help falling in-love…anapen nitang song…ihihihi…=)

Mingat ka lagi ken ne, sis…and don’t fall in love in the world, alright? =) Keep close to the Lord…=) mmmwahhh!"

Aby S. Gonzales

Upon reading the e-mail, my soul was lifted. Suddenly, I felt pain. I am so happy to hear that Dhines and Aby are doing great and enjoying their missions but part of me was hurt because I really want to join them. I also want to do missions and I am hungry for the words of God. I have cried one night just this week because I was so confuse for one thing about the Lord. I cried so hard and ask Him to help me understand His existence, His power and His whole being. I really want to know more about Him so that I will be well-equipped for my ministry.

I really don't know what to feel because right now I can't give up my goals for my family because I love them so much and I need to support them. Out of the pain that I can't take anymore, I was thinking to whom I could share this and ask for advice. I prayed and then Jhay came to my mind. I know he can help me and enlighten me with this things. So I sent him a message via text.

Here is our conversation:

Gayle

bro, wish i could talk to you.. i am so sad right now.. the pain is tormenting me.. i received an e-mail from my sis aby gonzales.. know her diba? sobrang mekapakyak ku kaya bisa kuring magmission like them really pero ekulapa alakwan family ku.. i need to support them coz if i won't no one would.. my family needs me..part of me bisa kung magfulltime keng pamagserve ku kaya kaso ng kasakit kasi ekula alakwan family ku talaga.. manasakit ku.. Lord knows how much i love Him and i love my family so much too.. i keep on asking for His forgiveness for loving and caring for my family so much.. bro, honestly eku balu ng gawan ku.. i need your advice i don't know what's His plan for me.. mali ba ing gagawa kung paralan para keng pamilya ku? kaluguran kulang sobra pero syempre i love the Lord more than anything.. pero ekula alakwan reng pamilya ku talaga.. magkasakit ku.. ekuna balu ng isipan ku.. gawan ku ngan bro for my family..hay dear kasakit.

(in short: i also want to join missions but right now i can't give my full time to the Lord because i need to work for my family. i really want to serve Him but my family needs me and it hurts me because i can not give Him all. i love my family so much and i really can't afford to lose them but i love the Lord more than anything)

Jhay

missions doesn't measure your passion for the ministry, there are other things to make your own mission.. nanu ba talaga wari ing panagalan mu ketang abasa mung e-mail, the enjoyment or the need to do the great commission? and things like that.. all your works and the Lord are not in vain.. Jesus has prepared much greater missions ahead of you. God bless.. it's not a matter of who you love or who you value, but it's a matter of doing what is to be done, and your family needs you.. you can have your mission inside your family.. wait for the Lord, pray!

Gayle

ing tutu kasi i don't know if loving my family so much is a sin.. i really love them so much and i can't afford to lose them.. i will do everything watever it takes to give them what they need.. misan papagal kung mimisip paralan ng gawan ku para asuportan kula.. matwa ne y ma ku bro, i want to give back wat she gave to me, sobrang pamag-ingat ng ma ku, manasakit ku kasi ekuna abye kang tatang ku ing buri kung ibye kaya kasi ala ne.. y wali ku pa eke apaburen kahit tin neng asawa.. reng pawnaka ku kailangan daku.. meblessed ku ketang e-mail ng aby meinggit ku karela.it makes me more hungry to know more about Him. nakung karakal kukutang about kaya na eku balung sagutan pati keng papamasa kung bible pati kareng sisend dang message kaku malilitu ku.. pero siguro pin datang yarin ing time ku.. i need to start with my family you are right good thing y ma ku mibalik ne..kaya siguro paulyan na nakung Lord.. last part ning e-mail ng aby "Mingat ka lagi ken ne, sis…and don't fall in love in the world, alright? =) Keep close to the Lord…=) mmmwahhh!" balu mu bro, ing pagpray ku ngeni buri ku talaga kahit magwork ku tin kung time keng pamagserve ku kaya bisa ku talagang magserve, dakal kupa dapat abalu about kaya..

Gayle

"Know what sis? This training, this great opportunity to be part of this training, really changed my life - a total turn. Dkal enlightening experiences, sis especially when I get to experience the Lord's work in my life. It was very painful, sis, kasi HE showed me my true self - a wretched one that is. It all started there…and it was really painful coz' I have to let go of many many things including my right to myself for the love for the Lord…hayyyy sis…hope I could share all. " keni meguilty ku kasi i can't give up my dreams for my family meinggit ku kasi ila agive up da ngan..it hurts!

Jhay

Jeremiah 29:11.. for all things work together for good to them who love God! God is preparing you for a good battle, He's equipping you now.. that when the right time comes, you'll be victorious!

Gayle

tnx bro! tnx for listening and for enlightening me.. you've been a true blessing from God.. i am ok now tnx to you and to the Lord.. i am so happy for the second chance God gave me.. eka magbayu ne.. i am praying for that always.. ingat lagi.. i will always remember the things you told me.. God bless you n your family!

Jhay

di lahat ng naging effective sa isang tao ay applicaple sa iba, the others might be dead on the first bullet, but you might not.

Gayle

wow so deep.. di ko madig hehe.. yeah bro, now i know that i have a different calling and different way on serving Him.. thanks for letting me realized that.. i just need to trust Him right? whatever His will 4 me I am now ready to follow.. He knows what's best for me.. im holdin on to my faith and to His promises! Tnx!

I felt fine and relieved after that. Now I know that even if I can’t give Him my full time. What is important is what I can do for Him even just simple act of goodness and kindness to my family and others. I can serve Him even with my simple ways. Jhay is right, I can have my own mission within my family. I will start that mission when I get back home. I will start ministering to my family. Most of us were Christians and I am glad my mom is active on her service. I want our whole family to be Christians and serve the Lord. I want to serve the Lord with them. When I accomplished that, my next mission is to win my friends’ souls and then win more souls and I will be victorious. I really thank Jhay for helping me and for enlightening me. God is truly great and He is a forgiving God. I thank Him for the second chance He gave me. I’m lost and He found me. As what I told Aby on my reply, we feel the same. I keep falling in love with the Lord. Oh I can’t thank Him enough for all the things He’d done and keep on doing and for giving me amazing friends like Aby, Dhines, and Jhay. They are truly blessings to me. My angels that was sent from above. Three of my inspirations. These guys help me to hold on to my faith and keep me going. I love these guys so much and I am so proud of them. I am praying that I can have a mission with them. And I am praying always that the Lord will bless them always, strengthen them and help them to win more souls and succeed on their ministry and missions. I am so excited to be with them and share my experiences and hear theirs. And I am more excited to go home and see my family and start my mission.

My Deepest Gratitude

Saturday 1am, I've watched the Hillsong's concert held last February 27, 2005. I was overwhelmed and touched with the huge crowd. Seeing this huge crowd jumping, raising hands, crying while praising the Lord is one of the happiest moments of my life. I am praying that I could be in Australia even just for a day just to attend Hillsong Church's service. I want to hear their bands play and sing live. I am so blessed seeing the talents of this people and they let their talents be used for the glory of the Lord. Wishing I have the same talent but I am still grateful because I can dance for His glory. Praising and serving the Lord with my family and my future partner also came into my mind that makes me more eager to go home. There is nothing happier than being with your family and your partner and praising and serving the Lord with them. Though having a boyfriend is not yet on my priorities right now, I am always praying that the Lord will give me a Christian partner. A guy that will work and serve the Lord with me. And while listening to their songs, few words are also coming from my mind and it reminds of the poem that I promised the Lord. When I composed my poem Just A Friend, I told the Lord that I will make one for Him and that is a promise. I did not forget but I have so much to tell Him and I know words are not enough for all the things He gave me and I want it to be the most beautiful poem I could compose because it is for Him and I want it to be from the bottom and deepest part of my heart and soul.The concert was through at 3am so I prayed and told the Lord I will start drafting as soon as I wake up. I started writing 2 stanzas but my chinese friend came and I promised her for a sleep over on her apartment. She really wanted me to stay with her so I did and I stayed there till our Sunday service. So as soon as I get here at work, I started writing so here is the poem. I don't have the good choice of words but the poem came from my heart and soul.

My Deepest Gratitude
Gayle Galang
I have turned away from You many times before
But You keep on knocking my door over and over
All You want is to be remembered and make my day brighter
Never stopped pleasing me that You're a great comforter
You've given me wonderful, loving friends and family
You meet all my needs just to make me really happy
You are always watching over me to ensure of my safety
But what You see in me is fear and my hear is weary
From how many times did I break Your heart
Is how many times You forgive me everytime I ask
So seldom You hear me pray and seek for Your comfort
But You never ceased to love me and give me support
You've been there for me and blessed me everyday
You saturate my soul and my fears You cast away
You lift me up and keep showing me the way
You keep on giving but You didn't ask me to repay
You always heal my heart everytime it breaks
You're mending it each time it was hurt and bleeds
You always listen whenever my soul cries
You ease the pain for every sorrow it utters
You gave Your only Son just to redeem me
He took the punishment to give me life and set me free
He bears the pain instead of deciding to flee
He endures the tortures and chose to die for me
How cruel I am to forget all the things You and Jesus done
Everytime I fail my hope and faith will also be gone
Keep on hurting You and treated You as no one
I believe and praise myself instead of You I should enthrone
Now I've realized that I am blessed for having You
I have proven that my Creator and His love is true
Knowing You're there, I am sure my life has a better value
Your loving kindness and forgiveness lifted me out of the blue
I am sorry for all the things I have done wrong
Forgive me for all the blame I put in You for so long
I'll never be the same again I swear I'll be strong
Never let the enemy steal me again because to You I belong
I can't thank You enough for being an amazing Father
For fixing my broken heart and putting the pieces back together
For giving me unconditional love and for Your mercy that endures forever
For keeping me safe al the time and for being my shelter
Now that I have You, I am no longer insecure
Because I know in You alone my future is secure
You sanctified my heart and cleansed it from being impure
I will be loved forever and never be alone that's for sure
You are my Lord, my Saviour, my King, my Life, and my God Almighty
You're the best thing that had happened to me, a Father full of mercy
For all the things You have done, You deserve all the glory
All the praises, all honors, all worships You are worthy
Draw me closer to You and promise You'll never let me go
My flesh may fail me but I will keep coming back to You
I will forever praise and thank You no matter what I'll do
I trust and adore You and to You I will always look up to
I love You more than anything else in this world
I will never ever trade You for silver or for gold
My faith in You and Your promises I will hold
Promise to obey You always and I will never be cold
Forever I will serve You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength
I love You from the depths of my soul and love You more than my breath
I will be forever grateful and do Your will here on earth
I will not stop praising, loving You and forever I'll live by faith
Nothing compares to You and to the love You gave
I am overwhelmed with all the blessings I have
What is more beautiful and greater than knowing that I am save
Let me offer You my life as an expression of my deepest gratitude

The Bridges Of Madison County

          Yesterday while washing my clothes, I've watched a classic movie "The Bridges Of Madison County". It was the best love story I've ever seen. I never stopped crying till I fall sleep. The story was marvelous though it broke my heart. I've heard before that the movie was good and yesterday was my chance to watch it. After watching the movie, I prayed to the Lord saying "My Lord from now on I want to fall in love only once. And I want that love to last forever and I want to send it to only one man whoever he is. I want that man to be my partner till eternity. I am asking you to give me the right one because I only want to give him all my love. Don't let me fall in love with the wrong guy my Lord. And I pray that man will feel the same love I have for him. I am willing to wait as long as I will end up with the man that is really meant for me. The one that will come from you."

          The movie really saddened me but it was very touching and inspiring because of the love Robert and Francesca have for each other. Till now everytime I think of it, I can't help but cry. It is so great, a movie worth seeing. Heartbreaking but such a wonderful movie. There was this one line that struck me and it said "This kind of certainty comes but once in a life time." The movie will allow you to reflect on your own life without becoming sickeningly sentimental. Oh well, it's better to go through the searing pain and being tormented than to never love at all but I am praying that the guy that I will love and spend the rest of my life with will be the right man that will come from the Lord.

Movie Summary:

          The Bridges Of Madison County is one of those rare examples of a movie improving on the book it was based on. Adapted from the monster, if purple-prosed, best seller by Robert James Waller, the film tells the simple story of an Iowa housewife, Francesca Johnson, who meets a traveling National Geographic photographer named Robert Kincaid, who has arrived in Madison County, Iowa to shoot its picturesque covered bridges. The two begin a four-day affair while her husband and children are out of town that reawakens long-lost passions and yearnings in Francesca. Kincaid, meanwhile, confronts his own roving, rootless nature; he asks Francesca to come with him, but they both know that after their brief interlude, they can never be together again. A framing story follows Francesca's children, after her death many years later, as they discover their mother's secret and take stock of their own lives. Eastwood and Streep deliver masterful, touching performances, while Eastwood's subtle direction and Richard LaGravenese's screenplay build the film into a deeply moving reflection on the choices one must make in both life and love.

Fushigi Yuugi (The Mysterious Play)

This is my favorite anime ever. It was shown in the Philippines when I was in college. I remember skipping classes just to watch it. The story and animation was great. I admire the undying love of Miaka and Tamahome for each other. I am always praying to find someone like Tamahome in real life. A guy who is willing to die for you, who will remain faithful to you no matter what, a guy who will love you for who you are. The great friendship of the warriors of the Suzaku. It's really funny but it also made me cried. I was reading the scripts online at work before and Bojo is beside me. I am crying then Bojo suddenly asked me if I am reading Tagalog Pocketbook then I laugh. It was really amazing reading or watching it. I really can't forget this anime. I may sound immature but I don't think so because my father loves anime too. Lupin III was his favorite. My father and my family were all anime fanatics. We used to watch anime together. When I was in college GMA 7 is playing animes from Monday to Friday everynight and my family never missed a single episode.

Story

Junior high students and best friends Yuuki Miaka and Hongo Yui encounter a mysterious book, THE FOUR GODS OF THE EARTH AND SKY, while at the library. The opening lines of the book explain that it is the legendary story of a young girl transported to a faraway land, and that it is also an incantation to make the story real. Once they read past this introduction, they are instantly transported into the world of the book, ancient China. They are accosted by a small band of ruffians only to be rescued by a charming young man, who almost immediately asks for payment in return. Since they are modern Japanese students, they certainly do not have the appropriate payment. As Miaka watches him walk away in disappointment, Yui disappears and is transported back to the modern world, whereupon she resumes reading the book.

Yui quickly realizes that Miaka is actually experiencing the events she is reading about in the book. She gradually comes to realize that she is magically linked to Miaka, but does not understand why. When she reads about a wound that Miaka suffers, Yui is shocked to discover blood on her own clothing; when Miaka becomes sick, Yui also suffers the fever. Miaka, left alone and not knowing that Yui is back safe in the present, desperately searches for her missing friend. In the process, she is once again rescued by the young man, Tamahome, whom she accuses of kidnapping Yui. After she cajoles Tamahome into helping her find Yui, they are captured by the emperor's men when Miaka boldly and stupidly approaches his imperial entourage asking for some of the emperor's money. In doing so, Miaka trips and falls over the guards while chasing the emperor's coach. But, rather than suffer some ignominious fate, Miaka is eventually recognized by the emperor, Hotohori, as Suzaku no Miko, the legendary savior and protectress of the country.

To return home, Miaka must gain the power of Suzaku, the god of the southern sky, which means she must assemble the seven seishi of Suzaku and then perform a summoning ceremony using the scroll of THE FOUR GODS OF THE EARTH AND SKY. If the ceremony is successful and Suzaku appears, Suzaku no Miko will be granted the power to fulfill three wishes. Tamahome and Hotohori are the first two Suzaku seishi; with their help, Miaka must find the other five.

Romantic complications help propel the story. A triangle soon arises between Miaka, Tamahome, and Hotohori. These relationships are further complicated by the introduction of a third seishi, Nuriko. Nuriko is a recently arrived court princess, who has her own inclinations toward Hotohori, as well as some more private surprises. That she finds herself competing for the handsome emperor's attention with this strange newcomer does not make for a good start to their relationship. At the outset, Nuriko mercilessly persecutes Miaka and tries to seduce Tamahome to make Miaka jealous. Once she sees that Miaka is drawn toward Tamahome over Hotohori, she is able to treat her more appropriately, though she still teases Miaka the most out of all her seishi.

Yui is also developing feelings for Tamahome, no doubt in partial concordance with Miaka's own feelings. When a gravely ill Miaka temporarily returns to the modern world, Yui finds herself drawn into the book, only she appears in Kutou country, which is currently warring against Konan. She is also assaulted, but her rescuer is the manipulative and devious Nakago. To say that Nakago is the complete opposite of Tamahome is an understatement, and his manipulations of Yui, combined with her own feelings for Tamahome, drive her to become Seiryuu no Miko and directly oppose her best friend.

Videos





"First Love"





"I Knew I Loved You"

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The O.C.

I love watching The O.C. It is my favorite drama series. My week wouldn't be completed if I haven't watch it. The casting is cool, they all suited for their roles. I love Ryan and Seth. I admire their friendship and brotherhood though they are not real brothers. Ryan was adopted by Seth's family but he was loved as their own family. I love Cohens' family (Seth's family). It is soul-soothing on how they love each other, how close the family are, how funny they are, and how they solve every problem they are going through. The series was a bit daring but when you watch it closely, you will be amazed with the story. It's complete what more can you ask for? It's funny, romantic, dramatic, and a bit pf suspense too and full of moral lessons. Everytime I watch it, I laugh and laugh and running out of breath, I cried, touched with the scenes and fall in love over and over again. They are currently playing it's 3rd season on USA right now and 2nd season here on China and Hong Kong. But I am happy to have copy of some episodes of 3rd season.

"The OC Bloopers and Outtakes"

Bios:

Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie)

From Ryan's first moments in Newport Beach, he found himself in conflict with the rich elitist society. In the beginning, his very presence in Newport Beach threatened the security of its inhabitants and their way of life simply because this troubled teenager was unable and unwilling to conform. Despite many obstacles, Ryan eventually won the heart of Newport’s princess, Marissa Cooper. However, playing White Knight to Marissa’s Damsel in Distress eventually took its toll on Ryan and the relationship. Then, when Ryan’s ex-girlfriend Theresa showed up in Newport in an attempt to escape her life in Chino, Ryan had a hard time resisting the comfort of a familiar face from home. When Ryan discovered Theresa was pregnant, he did the “right thing” and, despite not knowing for certain whether the child was his, moved back to Chino to help raise it. But Theresa, realizing Ryan would never be happy in Chino, also did the “right thing” and told him she had lost the baby. Ryan then returned to Newport and the Cohen’s. After a quick and unsuccessful attempt at reuniting with Marissa, Ryan met a “fish-out-of-water” like himself. After a bit of a rocky start, it appeared to be smooth sailing for him and Lindsay … until they discovered she was actually Caleb’s daughter, Kirsten’s sister and in some remote way, Ryan’s aunt. Eventually, Lindsay chose to move back to Boston with her mom and Ryan mourned the loss of what might have been. Seth, on the other hand, celebrated the notion that now Ryan and Marissa could get back together and they could all return to being the fabulous foursome they once were. Ryan slowly warmed up to Seth’s “The Way We Were” plan and eventually he and Marissa reunited. But then Ryan’s brother, Trey, tried to rape Marissa. When Ryan found out, he tracked down his brother and they fought. Unfortunately, Trey had a gun and the fight went from ugly to deadly. Before Trey could do in his brother, Marissa grabbed the gun and shot him in the back.

Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton)

The daughter of Jimmy and Julie Cooper, Marissa lived next door to the Cohen's her entire life. She had it all, great friends, a great boyfriend and the perfect family. Or so we thought… the day she met Ryan, everything in her world changed. Since then she has been forced to make tough choices and take responsibility for her life. With each new decision, she has sent a loud message to the community -- "I don't care what you think." She stood by her father, befriended Seth, left her boyfriend and found herself falling in love with the ultimate outsider. Marissa and Ryan’s relationship was challenged every step of the way, by her jealous ex-boyfriend and over-controlling mother; but when Ryan’s ex-girlfriend, Theresa, showed up in an attempt to escape her life in Chino, everything was turned upside-down. Theresa later became pregnant; and despite the uncertainty as to whose child it was, Ryan did the right thing and returned to Chino in order to care for Theresa and the baby. As if Ryan’s departure weren’t enough, Marissa was given the unwelcome news that her mother was marrying Caleb Nichol. Then she learned about Caleb’s underhanded plan to force her to live with them in his mansion. Not surprisingly, Marissa returned to her out-of-control ways, engaging in as many forms of rebellion as she could come up with, including drugs, alcohol, delinquency, dating the hot yard guy, and the hot club girl. With Lindsay and Alex out of the picture, and with a little help from Seth, Marissa and Ryan have slowly reunited. And to demonstrate her loyalty to Ryan, Marissa made an effort to help Trey find an apartment and job. Unfortunately, Trey misinterpreted Marissa’s desire to help as a desire to hook up. After a few too many drinks, he forced himself on her. She managed to escape but not without a few cuts and bruises. When Ryan finally discovered what happened, he went after Trey. Marissa arrived on the scene and just before Trey could smash Ryan’s head with a telephone, she picked up a gun and shot him in the back.

Seth Cohen (Adam Brody)

An existential hero in the spirit of Holden Caulfield, Benjamin Braddock or any John Cusack character from the late '80s, Seth is socially awkward, a bit of a wise-ass and, despite his best efforts to appear otherwise, full of longing. The only child of Sandy and Kirsten Cohen, he has grown up in the "Newport Beach bubble" - good schools, a stocked fridge, his own sailboat and trips to Europe. From the outside it looks like Seth has it all but, like his father, he senses there is something else out there… and he yearns for it. At the end of Season One, devastated by Ryan’s decision to return to Chino, Seth set sail for Tahiti… by way of Oregon. Then when Ryan decided to return to the Cohen’s, Seth came to the conclusion that the greater Northwest wasn’t for him after all. But one thing Seth hadn’t counted on was returning to discover Summer was seeing someone else – Zach -- someone surprisingly not unlike himself, only better looking and more athletic. In an attempt to distract himself from his obsession with Summer, Seth took a job at The Bait Shop and fell for Alex, the feisty, tattooed club manager. The only problem seemed to be that Alex’s Ex was still hanging around… and her Ex was a she. To make matters worse, Seth discovered Summer was leaving on a romantic trip to Tuscany with her perfect boyfriend, Zach. But his hopes were rewarded when Summer suddenly appeared at his house and gave him a superhero kiss.

Summer Roberts (Rachel Bilson)

Summer is Marissa's best friend and the ultimate Newport Beach party girl. Exuding brash self-confidence and a sly sexuality, Summer always speaks her mind, always gets what she wants, and never has any regrets. Spoiled by her father since the divorce of her parents, Summer is an irresistible, magnetic narcissist. She's growing up fast in a town whose principal values are money and physical beauty -- and she’s loving every minute of it. Summer was once the longtime object of Seth Cohen’s unwavering (if unrequited) affection. Though his physical attraction to her was undeniable, Seth saw beneath Summer’s brilliant surface charms to the sweetness and free-spiritedness at her core. And after many ill-fated attempts to win Summer’s affection, he finally succeeded. When Summer first allowed Seth into her life, she never expected to fall for him the way she did. And that presented her with a profound problem – ruin her reputation by dating a nerd or miss out on infinite hours of fun. She reluctantly chose fun. Then, after Seth abandoned her and headed North, she disguised her anger and hurt in a designer coat of “Cohen, who?” She started dating Zach, a good-looking, popular water polo player but, hard as she tried, she couldn’t get Cohen off her mind. On the day Summer was supposed to leave for romantic Tuscany with Zach, she realized her feelings for Seth had never really gone away and she said goodbye to a surprisingly understanding Zach at the airport. Of course, life is never easy for Seth and Summer. He got distracted with his comic book, she had the wrong date at the prom. But, finally they came together, only to be witnesses to the unfolding drama of Ryan and Marissa.

Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher)

Sandy Cohen grew up in the Bronx, his Dad was gone, his Mom worked all the time. Sandy came out to California to attend law school at U.C. Berkeley. While there, he met an uptight but beautiful, if a little too refined, undergrad -- Kirsten Nichol. Kirsten, daughter of privilege and California shiksa goddess, found Sandy to be the most exciting man she had ever met. Witty, wild and cool, Sandy brought fun and laughter into Kirsten's life. They lived in a mail truck, traveling the country, living like true bohemians until family circumstances drew Kirsten back into her wealthy Newport Beach family, and Sandy found himself living a life he never imagined, in a mansion on a hill. It’s been quite a year for Sandy. He’s gone from being a Public Defender to a Corporate Lawyer to having his own private practice in a funky beach bungalow. He orchestrated his son’s return to California, kept his father-in-law out of prison, and attempted to clear his ex-girlfriend/alleged terrorist’s, name. Needless to say, all of this has taken a toll on his seemingly unshakable marriage. After watching his wife retreat into an alcoholic haze, Sandy orchestrated an intervention which landed Kirsten in an alcohol treatment center for an undesignated amount of time. It may look more like a country club than a rehab center, but when Sandy and Kirsten are told they won’t be able to speak for the next 72 hours while she’s in detox, it quickly becomes evident that this place means business.

Kirsten Cohen (Kelly Rowan)

Sardonic and smart, Kirsten is the one whom everyone looks up to. A loving mother and an incredibly shrewd and powerful businesswoman, Kirsten has a worldliness and intelligence, an earthiness and curiosity that sets her apart. Kirsten puts on a strong armor, but she is incredibly lonely. She feels she lost Sandy as her best friend and Seth as her little boy. The joyful young family who once backpacked through Thailand and camped on the beach now sits woodenly around a formal dining room table with little to say. When Ryan enters the family, Kirsten discovers she can be herself around him. Seeing herself through Ryan's eyes, Kirsten becomes aware of just how much she's given up, and what it will take to reconnect with her son and rekindle her marriage. Kirsten has been challenged by a number of recent events – her father’s marriage to her rival, Julie Cooper; the disappearance of her son, Seth; an investigation into her father and their company; the sudden discovery that she has a half-sister she’s never known who happens to be the same age as her son; and the mysterious return of her husband’s ex-girlfriend. And, although Kirsten’s weathered these storms with grace, it hasn’t been without a cost… especially to her marriage. She attempted to alleviate her sense of loss and loneliness by taking comfort in Carter Buckley, the handsome, idealistic-turned-cynical new magazine editor at Newport Living. But after his sudden departure, she turned to alcohol to ease her pain. Then, after losing her father to a sudden heart attack, her reliance on alcohol became all-consuming and she became the unexpected focus of a family intervention. Kirsten is currently an inpatient at a rehab facility.

Julie Cooper (Melinda Clarke)

Julie's spent her entire life wanting to be on the inside, to see the world through the tinted glass of a limousine, to have it all. With Jimmy she got everything, but it still wasn’t enough. Julie grew up on the wrong side of the O.C., much like Ryan. And when she got pregnant with Marissa, Jimmy did the honorable thing of marrying her. Julie had been living the high life but that all changed when Jimmy faced criminal charges for embezzling from his clients. But, always the survivor, Julie decided to make an upwardly mobile move and pursued the richest man in Newport -- Caleb Nichol. Julie’s marriage to Caleb did nothing to improve her already distant relationship with her daughter, Marissa. Neither did the affair she subsequently had with her ex-husband and Marissa’s father, Jimmy Cooper. Julie launched a new magazine about the lives of the rich, fabulous and dysfunctional, called Newport Living. But becoming a high-profile member of the community has its drawbacks, as Julie recently discovered when a ghost from her past came back to blackmail her. After suffering the humiliation of having her adult video screened in front of the Newport elite, Julie and Caleb took off on an unplanned European “vacation.” After returning, Caleb served Julie with divorce papers. Julie turned to Sandy for legal advice, but he only confirmed that she was not entitled to a thing if the papers were filed before their first year of marriage was complete… which was still a few days away. Julie devised a Machiavellian plan to invite Caleb over for some lethal margaritas. In the end, however, she couldn’t go through with it, and while she was dumping out the tainted goods, Caleb had a heart-attack, falling in the pool and drowning. Jimmy Cooper returned for the funeral and after a romantic day aboard his sailboat, announced to Marissa that they were going to take another stab at being a family.

Photos:



Ryan, Seth, Sandy


Luke, Jimmy, Caleb


Marissa, Summer, Anna


Kirsten, Julie, Hailey

More Photos:

Ryan and Marissa

Seth and Summer

The Lover's Lane

Family and Friends

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